Protect Your Holiday Event: The Insurance Coverage Every Host Should Consider
Tis the season for holiday parties and special events! Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering at home or a large-scale corporate celebration, it’s important to understand that you may be liable for the actions of your guests.
From Monica in Accounting letting loose at the company soirée, to Uncle Joey spending a little too much time at the rum and eggnog station at Grandma’s house, your responsibility as a host extends far beyond offering great food and festive cheer. In fact, you are accountable for your guests from the moment they arrive until they are safely home.
There are a few common misconceptions about event-related insurance, including:
- “Lawsuits don’t happen in Canada.”
- “I’m not responsible once a guest leaves the event.”
- “My business or home insurance will cover me.”
Unfortunately, these assumptions are not true. Legal claims do occur in Canada and host liability continues even after the event ends. Additionally, standard home or business insurance typically does not provide adequate protection for event-related liability including liquor exposure.
Consider this scenario:
You host a holiday banquet for your team at a hotel. One employee goes home after having too much to drink, chooses not to arrange a safe ride home, and is involved in an accident that injures another person. In this case, not only could the employee driving the car be held liable, so could you as the event host, as well as the venue and its staff. While the venue will have its own insurance for these risks, event hosts are often left exposed.
How You Can Protect Yourself?
There are simple and proactive steps you can take to reduce risk while hosting your holiday gathering.
Start by contacting Atlas Insurance to ensure you have the right coverage in place for your specific event. If you’re working with an event planner, you can also add each other to your insurance policies for additional protection and peace of mind.
Common types of event-related insurance coverage include:
- Commercial General Liability
- Host Liquor Liability
- Tenant’s Legal Liability
- Property Extension (sound systems, tents, staging, backdrops, rented equipment etc.)
- Event Cancellation
If your event represents a significant investment, Event Cancellation Insurance should be a key consideration. While there are limitations to every policy, this coverage can be invaluable in helping recover costs and reducing financial risk should the unexpected occur (ie. Weather, venue issues or other uncontrollable factors).
Don’t Forget Your Permits
Permitting is crucial, but sometimes overlooked. While many venues already hold the necessary approvals to serve alcohol, it’s essential to confirm this in advance. If you’re hosting an event that includes liquor, whether it’s a cash bar, a subsidized bar, or a fully hosted bar, you may require a Special Occasion Permit through the SLGA. Each type of permit comes with its own regulations, so reviewing the requirements early will help ensure everything is compliant.
For private functions, it’s also a smart idea to hire bartenders who hold their Serve It Right certification. This low-cost training helps ensure alcohol is served responsibly, adding another layer of protection for you and your guests.
These proactive measures help safeguard your celebration, allowing you to enjoy the season knowing you’re covered.
Rest assured, we’re here to help you celebrate safely this holiday season, and always.
Connect with Atlas Insurance for a tailored quote and plan for your upcoming events.
Written By:
Jennifer Draper, TCP
Brand & Operations Coordinator
Atlas York Insurance
